Luke's holy bath

We enjoyed an exciting weekend with friends and family for Luke's baptism. Tom's brother, Doug, came from Chicago to meet Luke and witness the baptism. During Doug's visit, Luke saw several Portland attractions. We had lunch on a tour boat, shopped at Columbia Sportswear, saw the animals napping at the zoo, and watched a UP women's soccer game on Friday. After Tammy's grandmother's 1-year memorial service on Saturday, we had great Chinese food, took a ride on the tram, visited the science museum, and went out to dinner. Sunday was Luke's big day at church - he had a water awakening, both spiritually and physically. We were blessed with so many friends and family who celebrated Luke's baptism.


On the boat



Our family on the boat



At the science museum



Ready for the big day



The baptism



Luke wore Grandpa Mark's baptismal gown and used Tom's baptismal blanket



Luke with his Godparents



Friends and family who came to the baptism



Having fun with Uncle Doug




The VanDeGrift men

Spring-time Fun

We have enjoyed some of the early April spring-time weather. Luke has enjoyed the zoo, spending a day at a fun center with his cousin, watching soccer games, and going to the park. Enjoy some of his recent photos.


Tammy and Luke with the elephants



Is he cute or what?



Tom and Luke



Having fun at the "fun" center



Luke is "talking" to Tom



Luke likes hanging out in the swing

Happy Easter!

We continue to enjoy life as parents. Watching Luke develop new skills brings us lots of smiles. His most recent favorite activity is to "converse" with us. He tries to mimic our sounds and says "oooohhh" often. Since our last post, Luke has experienced his first computer science conference and his first holiday - Easter. Luke, my mom, and I attended a conference for computer science educators in Portland. Because so many of my friends attend this conference, we had a little party at our house. We also enjoyed hosting my extended family for Easter this year and Luke met some of his relatives for the first time.

Luke entered our family NCAA pool this year, too. He chose his teams based on what arm moved first after I gave him the team line-ups. Needless to say, he is in last place in our family pool.

Here are a few recent photos:


Luke and Sarah


Luke and Naomi (also a first-timer at the conference)


Luke cheered for Michigan State (despite Tom's allegiance) during the NCAA tournament


Our family on Easter Sunday


Mark, Anca, and Luke on Easter. Mark filled up his Easter basket!


Luke enjoys his new chair


Luke is dressed in Michigan colors!


Luke visited Tom at work one day and met a few of his co-workers